Job Posting

Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Pictou County Regional Enterprise Network (PCREN)

The Pictou County Regional Enterprise Network is seeking an energetic, passionate and experienced business leader to oversee the work of the PCREN in the next phase of its operations. This is an exciting opportunity for a new leader to step in and coordinate the regional efforts underway to foster economic growth and development in Pictou County.

Through a funding partnership with the Province of Nova Scotia, Pictou Landing First Nation and the six local municipalities (the Towns of New Glasgow, Pictou, Stellarton, Trenton, and Westville, and the Municipality of the County of Pictou ), the work of the PCREN focuses on five strategic priority areas: 1) business retention & expansion; 2) workforce development; 3) business navigation; 4) economic innovation; and 5) regional branding & business attraction. The CEO reports to a volunteer Board of Directors made up of business and community leaders, with municipal and PLFN partners providing high level oversight to the Board through the Liaison and Oversight Committee.

An ideal candidate for this positon will be highly engaged and have the leadership and interpersonal skills required to cultivate relationships with both our partners and the business community. We are seeking someone who will have the hands-on approach and the creative, innovative ideas required to expand economic development in Pictou County.

Summary

• Full Time, Permanent Position
• Reports to PCREN Board of Directors
• Responsible for: day to day operations; human resource management and supervision of PCREN staff; overseeing finances and budget; implementation of three year Regional Strategy; and annual development of business plan and budget
• Builds, develops, and oversees a highly effective team to implement the PCREN’s three year Regional Strategy;
• Acts as key spokesperson for the PCREN
• Demonstrates exceptional knowledge of business and economic development
• Proven track record of achieving results
• Builds and strengthens relationships with stakeholders and partners

Qualities and Abilities

• A proven leader, you are comfortable in both informal and formal interactions with the business community and all levels of government
• You are comfortable thinking “outside the box” and developing creative solutions that challenge the status quo
• You have the reputation of exercising good judgement and ethics at all times
• You have demonstrated experience in supervising staff and maintaining confidentiality
• You can identify the opportunities and challenges of economic growth in the region, as well as possess a deep understanding the unique aspects of rural economies and cultures
• You are an enthusiastic self-starter that can motivate and gain the confidence of others
• You have excellent communication skills
• You have a strong understanding of government funding models and experience in completing funding applications and securing external funding.
• You are passionate and more than willing to put the time and effort into the cause ahead of you
• You have significant Board governance experience, preferably in both non-profit and private sector models

Leadership

• Acting as the face of PCREN, you must demonstrate excellent relationship building skills and client focus with partners, stakeholders, and the community at large, as well as act as a liaison between individuals and partner organizations
• You can inspire others to be passionate about growing and strengthening both existing and emerging businesses in the region, through strategic planning and raising awareness of the PCREN
• You will establish credibility and trust through a pragmatic approach and sound business sense
• You will work collaboratively with other community organizations and partners
• You will implement a marketing strategy for both the PCREN and the broader Pictou County community

Background

• Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in business, economics, law, or related field
• 10 years of business leadership experience, 5+ years at a senior level
• Experience with governance and working with a Board of Directors
• Experience working with government is an asset

Requirements

• Bondable
• Class 5 driver’s license
• Reside in Pictou County or willing to relocate to the region
• Travel requirement: 25%
• Provincial/National/International travel may be required